Progress Quarterly Report

Agency for International Development, beginning October 1, 2012. The agreement, No. AID-OAA-A-12-00047, supports the advancement of partners and communities worldwide. In Kenya, World Vision runs a program to equip people with wheelchairs, known as ACCESS (Accelerating Core Competencies for Effective Wheelchair Services and Support). The program aims to provide mobility and social inclusion for individuals with disabilities. One such individual is Shelby, a five-year-old girl born with cerebral palsy. Shelby's mother carried her on her back to work each day due to her daughter's limited mobility. Shelby's mother sought rehabilitation for her daughter at a nearby health center, where she met other parents whose children had cerebral palsy. It was there that she learned about World Vision's wheelchair program and decided to inquire at their field office. World Vision provided Shelby with an appropriate wheelchair that suited her physical condition and environment. With her daughter's new wheelchair, Shelby's mother could now easily take her to the market and other places around the community. The wheelchair program has had a significant impact on Shelby's life and that of her mother. With her newfound mobility, Shelby's mother was able to enroll her in school, which is a rare opportunity for children with disabilities in Kenya. In fact, less than 2% of children with disabilities have access to education in the country. Shelby's mother also started a day-care center for children with disabilities in her community, providing them with the opportunity to play, make friends, and learn. The ACCESS Kenya program has equipped 70 people with wheelchairs, but more importantly, it has afforded individuals like Shelby and her mother the opportunities to experience love, pursue their aspirations, and contribute to the development of their communities. The program has also brought together parents of children with disabilities, creating a sense of community and support.